CLEVELAND — Mississippi’s new “alligator man,” Andrew Arnett will give a report on the Alligator Program at Thursday’s commission meeting according to the agenda. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks named Arnett the new program director in May. 

MDWFP’s commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, at 11 a.m. in Cleveland. Last year, Ricky Flynt announced he was leaving the Alligator Program after giving his yearly report at a commission meeting on January 25, 2023 in Cleveland. 

First on the agenda, Jason Thompson, Director of Administrative Services, will give an update on License Sales for the previous month and an update on where MDWFP is for the Fiscal Year 2024. Commission Chairman Bill Cossar usually states the report is important because 90 percent of the MDWFP budget is funded by license sales. 

Arnett will follow by giving an update on the Alligator Program. The report usually includes survey information, harvest reports, license sales and other facts about the 2023 season. 

Following his report, a proposed rule for an Alligator Hunting Season for Pelahatchie Bay in Rankin County will be presented. 

Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Jerry Carter will follow with a Law Enforcement Update and license reinstatement requests. 

Vice-Chairman Scott Coopwood will additionally give recognition to the winner of the Outstanding Mississippi Sportsman Award. 

February’s Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 22 with an educational session at 10 a.m. and a business session at 11 a.m.. The location of this meeting is to be determined.

Check back Thursday and Friday for stories from the meeting.